48 Bucks schools unable to provide Government's free hot dinners

CHILDREN at 48 primary schools around Buckinghamshire did not receive a free hot meal today, the county council has confirmed.

All state-educated infants are now entitled to free hot school dinners under plans announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg last year.

But a survey published by the Local Government Association last month revealed 47 percent of councils quizzed said they had not received enough money from the Government to fund the project.

Buckinghamshire was highlighted as being behind with the roll-out, with the county council confirming 48 of the 167 school eligible for the scheme could only provide a cold packed lunch to pupils on Thursday.

Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown, BCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Education said: “We are delighted to say that all eligible children will have access to a free school meal from September.

“However, given the timescale and complexity of this operation we will be providing a sandwich lunch for 48 schools at the commencement of this term with the aim of meeting our full commitment of providing universal hot meals by mid-term or earlier.”

Cllr Bendyshe-Brown said when the plan was announced there were 66 schools around the county which had no provision for hot meals and the £1.3 capital funding “was not enough” to set up a sufficient number of food hubs in time for the start of the new school year.

But he said the council secured a ‘superhub’ which can cater for up to 5,000 meals every day with 20 remaining schools making their own arrangements with Government funding.

Little Spring School in Chesham was one of the schools unable to provide a hot meal as a supplier dropped out over the summer and their kitchen is not big enough to cater for demand.

Annie Sweet, the school’s office manager, said: “We’ve already said to the county council that to do things adequately we need some help.

“The Government haven’t given the county time to get everything organised. By the time they realised the enormity of it all, they weren’t able to get it done.

“It’s a brilliant initiative, but the resources haven’t been put in place.”

Prestwood Infant School pupils in years one and two received their first hot meals at noon today.

Headteacher Nicola Raher said; “We’re fortunate, it’s very exciting.

“We will have one teacher eating with the children every day to teach them how to use a knife and fork and extra staff to help the children. It’s all about independence and creating a social experience.”

The DoE said it had provided “significant financial support” to schools, including £1bn over the next two years to cover the cost of providing meals.

A further £150m of additional capital had also been provided to help schools and local authorities upgrade facilities, with an extra £22.5m allocated specifically to help smaller schools.

My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)

My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)AmyQ

In all seriousness: fair enough, school lunches may not be ideal for those with special dietary or religious requirements beyond those found frequently. & some children may be too fussy to eat them (though isn't that a reflection on the parents, not the government?) But for the most part - our kids are now being fed for free. And whilst it may not be perfect, it's a fairly balanced meal that will keep them going as a temporary measure until hot meals kick in.

As for it "not really being free", whether our taxes were going towards this or some other hairbrained scheme, they'd still be going. We spend so much time moaning that the government do nothing for parents....then moan just as loudly when they do. Like the meals themselves, it may not be perfect but it's something and I for one am therefore happy to take it.

I'll keep you posted if my child becomes a semi-comatose wreck, falling asleep in class through some celery-fuelled stupor.....

Oh come on now, dearies.
A cheese sandwich, fruit (whether unknown providence or Mrs Hockeysticks' Finest Organic Free-range Bohemian Picked-A-Second-Ago Umbongofruit) and a muffin will not our precious darlings poison. And the celery sticks?! Well, how very dare they!
In all seriousness: fair enough, school lunches may not be ideal for those with special dietary or religious requirements beyond those found frequently. & some children may be too fussy to eat them (though isn't that a reflection on the parents, not the government?) But for the most part - our kids are now being fed for free. And whilst it may not be perfect, it's a fairly balanced meal that will keep them going as a temporary measure until hot meals kick in.
As for it "not really being free", whether our taxes were going towards this or some other hairbrained scheme, they'd still be going. We spend so much time moaning that the government do nothing for parents....then moan just as loudly when they do. Like the meals themselves, it may not be perfect but it's something and I for one am therefore happy to take it.
I'll keep you posted if my child becomes a semi-comatose wreck, falling asleep in class through some celery-fuelled stupor.....Bucksy O'Hare

“We will have one teacher eating with the children every day to teach them how to use a knife and fork and extra staff to help the children. It’s all about independence and creating a social experience.”

Teaching 5 & 6 year olds to use a knife and fork? What the hell is the world coming to!

“We will have one teacher eating with the children every day to teach them how to use a knife and fork and extra staff to help the children. It’s all about independence and creating a social experience.”
Teaching 5 & 6 year olds to use a knife and fork? What the hell is the world coming to!Nick1958

AmyQ wrote:
My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)

People pay tax.according to their salary. The more they earn the more they pay in tax back to society so I see no reason why they can't take something back. I can't see what peoples problem is with successful people having something back in return. I am an average earner so have no reason to think otherwise.

[quote][p][bold]AmyQ[/bold] wrote:
My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)[/p][/quote]People pay tax.according to their salary. The more they earn the more they pay in tax back to society so I see no reason why they can't take something back. I can't see what peoples problem is with successful people having something back in return. I am an average earner so have no reason to think otherwise.tigeran

It is a sad but true fact that in primary schools there are a large amount of children who do not know how to use a knife and fork.

Whilst the Nanny state are taking over the feeding of our children, because we is too fick innit to do it ourselves, the photo opportunity that has been missed is the waste created by these young people who do not want to eat the food. Not because it does not look like/taste like chicken nuggets (although I am sure that was a factor) but because the food that was on offer from a local hub kitchen, looked and tasted B***dy awful.

The bin scrapings were much larger than expected, Children were sat at tables in floods of tears because the food was either not something they were used to, could not identify or just plain did not like.

Waste of money, waste of food, waste of resource!

It is a sad but true fact that in primary schools there are a large amount of children who do not know how to use a knife and fork.
Whilst the Nanny state are taking over the feeding of our children, because we is too fick innit to do it ourselves, the photo opportunity that has been missed is the waste created by these young people who do not want to eat the food. Not because it does not look like/taste like chicken nuggets (although I am sure that was a factor) but because the food that was on offer from a local hub kitchen, looked and tasted B***dy awful.
The bin scrapings were much larger than expected, Children were sat at tables in floods of tears because the food was either not something they were used to, could not identify or just plain did not like.
Waste of money, waste of food, waste of resource!gungun

gungun wrote:
It is a sad but true fact that in primary schools there are a large amount of children who do not know how to use a knife and fork.

Whilst the Nanny state are taking over the feeding of our children, because we is too fick innit to do it ourselves, the photo opportunity that has been missed is the waste created by these young people who do not want to eat the food. Not because it does not look like/taste like chicken nuggets (although I am sure that was a factor) but because the food that was on offer from a local hub kitchen, looked and tasted B***dy awful.

The bin scrapings were much larger than expected, Children were sat at tables in floods of tears because the food was either not something they were used to, could not identify or just plain did not like.

Waste of money, waste of food, waste of resource!

You may have missed the point of 'social welfare'.

[quote][p][bold]gungun[/bold] wrote:
It is a sad but true fact that in primary schools there are a large amount of children who do not know how to use a knife and fork.
Whilst the Nanny state are taking over the feeding of our children, because we is too fick innit to do it ourselves, the photo opportunity that has been missed is the waste created by these young people who do not want to eat the food. Not because it does not look like/taste like chicken nuggets (although I am sure that was a factor) but because the food that was on offer from a local hub kitchen, looked and tasted B***dy awful.
The bin scrapings were much larger than expected, Children were sat at tables in floods of tears because the food was either not something they were used to, could not identify or just plain did not like.
Waste of money, waste of food, waste of resource![/p][/quote]You may have missed the point of 'social welfare'.mistamina

AmyQ wrote:
My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)

People pay tax.according to their salary. The more they earn the more they pay in tax back to society so I see no reason why they can't take something back. I can't see what peoples problem is with successful people having something back in return. I am an average earner so have no reason to think otherwise.

Tigeran, im not sure I mentioned tax in my post. I do pay taxes but as I have a hyperactive child with it being managed by diet I would have liked to have been abke to opt in to the scheme and have been told an awful lot more information before schools were made to provide a meal for every pupil. There are many parents concerned about the quality of these meals and fully expected to pay for their childrens meals.
If we were allowed to opt in then the budgets may have been apportioned better for those who needed them. And I do agree, there is an awful lot of waste and I have yet to hear of a way of dealing with this .e.g. sending unopened sandwiches to the destitute.

[quote][p][bold]tigeran[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]AmyQ[/bold] wrote:
My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)[/p][/quote]People pay tax.according to their salary. The more they earn the more they pay in tax back to society so I see no reason why they can't take something back. I can't see what peoples problem is with successful people having something back in return. I am an average earner so have no reason to think otherwise.[/p][/quote]Tigeran, im not sure I mentioned tax in my post. I do pay taxes but as I have a hyperactive child with it being managed by diet I would have liked to have been abke to opt in to the scheme and have been told an awful lot more information before schools were made to provide a meal for every pupil. There are many parents concerned about the quality of these meals and fully expected to pay for their childrens meals.
If we were allowed to opt in then the budgets may have been apportioned better for those who needed them. And I do agree, there is an awful lot of waste and I have yet to hear of a way of dealing with this .e.g. sending unopened sandwiches to the destitute.AmyQ

gungun wrote: It is a sad but true fact that in primary schools there are a large amount of children who do not know how to use a knife and fork. Whilst the Nanny state are taking over the feeding of our children, because we is too fick innit to do it ourselves, the photo opportunity that has been missed is the waste created by these young people who do not want to eat the food. Not because it does not look like/taste like chicken nuggets (although I am sure that was a factor) but because the food that was on offer from a local hub kitchen, looked and tasted B***dy awful. The bin scrapings were much larger than expected, Children were sat at tables in floods of tears because the food was either not something they were used to, could not identify or just plain did not like. Waste of money, waste of food, waste of resource!

You may have missed the point of 'social welfare'.

The free school meal offering is across the board for all pupils up to the age of 7 not just for those requiring social welfare - So it would seem you missed the point completley :)

[quote][p][bold]mistamina[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]gungun[/bold] wrote: It is a sad but true fact that in primary schools there are a large amount of children who do not know how to use a knife and fork. Whilst the Nanny state are taking over the feeding of our children, because we is too fick innit to do it ourselves, the photo opportunity that has been missed is the waste created by these young people who do not want to eat the food. Not because it does not look like/taste like chicken nuggets (although I am sure that was a factor) but because the food that was on offer from a local hub kitchen, looked and tasted B***dy awful. The bin scrapings were much larger than expected, Children were sat at tables in floods of tears because the food was either not something they were used to, could not identify or just plain did not like. Waste of money, waste of food, waste of resource![/p][/quote]You may have missed the point of 'social welfare'.[/p][/quote]The free school meal offering is across the board for all pupils up to the age of 7 not just for those requiring social welfare - So it would seem you missed the point completley :)gungun

BucksComment wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?

You're not! We "rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...!

[quote][p][bold]BucksComment[/bold] wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?[/p][/quote]You're not! We "rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...!Flashheart

AmyQ wrote:
My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)

People pay tax.according to their salary. The more they earn the more they pay in tax back to society so I see no reason why they can't take something back. I can't see what peoples problem is with successful people having something back in return. I am an average earner so have no reason to think otherwise.

Tigeran, im not sure I mentioned tax in my post. I do pay taxes but as I have a hyperactive child with it being managed by diet I would have liked to have been abke to opt in to the scheme and have been told an awful lot more information before schools were made to provide a meal for every pupil. There are many parents concerned about the quality of these meals and fully expected to pay for their childrens meals.
If we were allowed to opt in then the budgets may have been apportioned better for those who needed them. And I do agree, there is an awful lot of waste and I have yet to hear of a way of dealing with this .e.g. sending unopened sandwiches to the destitute.

I am sure you will talk to your school and they will handle your child right.

Good points about Opt IN or Opt out. two observations: wish we has an 11+ opt-in system. Have a thought for Bucks County council. they are struggling to get food to all the children they have been paid to feed. there is no chance of them having set up something as sophisticated as an Opt-out system.

[quote][p][bold]AmyQ[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]tigeran[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]AmyQ[/bold] wrote:
My child was due to have a free packed lunch today, however, the councils idea of nutrition was sadly lacking. One cheese sandwich made with white bread, an apple, some celery and a muffin. To my eyes thats fat wedges between stodge, sugar, more stodge and then balanced with fruit of an unknown providence. Needless to say I got his usual packed lunch...but now he has seen cake he wants that. If he has to have it then im sure the teachers will start to see pupils suffering not actually more alert and able. I just feel that this is not being put in place for the welfare of all children. (Note that only specific religious or medical conditions are being met..god help those pupils witg adhd, mild aspergers etc)[/p][/quote]People pay tax.according to their salary. The more they earn the more they pay in tax back to society so I see no reason why they can't take something back. I can't see what peoples problem is with successful people having something back in return. I am an average earner so have no reason to think otherwise.[/p][/quote]Tigeran, im not sure I mentioned tax in my post. I do pay taxes but as I have a hyperactive child with it being managed by diet I would have liked to have been abke to opt in to the scheme and have been told an awful lot more information before schools were made to provide a meal for every pupil. There are many parents concerned about the quality of these meals and fully expected to pay for their childrens meals.
If we were allowed to opt in then the budgets may have been apportioned better for those who needed them. And I do agree, there is an awful lot of waste and I have yet to hear of a way of dealing with this .e.g. sending unopened sandwiches to the destitute.[/p][/quote]I am sure you will talk to your school and they will handle your child right.
Good points about Opt IN or Opt out. two observations: wish we has an 11+ opt-in system. Have a thought for Bucks County council. they are struggling to get food to all the children they have been paid to feed. there is no chance of them having set up something as sophisticated as an Opt-out system.mistamina

'Let them eat cake' perhaps we will have a revolution! Another Coalition policy which fails to address why some children need to be given a hot meal. Universality for hot meals but not Child Benefit. Muddled Clegg thinking again.

'Let them eat cake' perhaps we will have a revolution! Another Coalition policy which fails to address why some children need to be given a hot meal. Universality for hot meals but not Child Benefit. Muddled Clegg thinking again.faircuppa

Nick1958 wrote:
“We will have one teacher eating with the children every day to teach them how to use a knife and fork and extra staff to help the children. It’s all about independence and creating a social experience.”

Teaching 5 &amp; 6 year olds to use a knife and fork? What the hell is the world coming to!

".” Teaching 5 & 6 year olds to use a knife and fork? What the hell is the world coming to!"

[quote][p][bold]Nick1958[/bold] wrote:
“We will have one teacher eating with the children every day to teach them how to use a knife and fork and extra staff to help the children. It’s all about independence and creating a social experience.”
Teaching 5 & 6 year olds to use a knife and fork? What the hell is the world coming to![/p][/quote]".” Teaching 5 & 6 year olds to use a knife and fork? What the hell is the world coming to!"
Well, you'd be surprised. It's a skill most adult Americans haven't mastered.Bill Taxpayer

There are massive knock-on effects of the new scheme as well. For the last three school days, my children have come home from school absolutely famished. They are both in Key Stage 2 and the focus at their school has very much been on meeting the needs of Key Stage 1 children and their 'free' meals. Yesterday, my kids were served half a slice of burnt pizza (the caterers 'forgot' the desserts) and I was charged 2 x the princely sum of £2.40 for the honour. The headteacher has been brilliant and actually went out and purchased additional food to give to the children in order to try and salvage the situation. However, needless to say I've asked for my money back from the caterers and will most definitely be preparing pack lunches (deep joy) until the situation improves...

There are massive knock-on effects of the new scheme as well. For the last three school days, my children have come home from school absolutely famished. They are both in Key Stage 2 and the focus at their school has very much been on meeting the needs of Key Stage 1 children and their 'free' meals. Yesterday, my kids were served half a slice of burnt pizza (the caterers 'forgot' the desserts) and I was charged 2 x the princely sum of £2.40 for the honour. The headteacher has been brilliant and actually went out and purchased additional food to give to the children in order to try and salvage the situation. However, needless to say I've asked for my money back from the caterers and will most definitely be preparing pack lunches (deep joy) until the situation improves...Marlow Mum

Marlow Mum wrote:
There are massive knock-on effects of the new scheme as well. For the last three school days, my children have come home from school absolutely famished. They are both in Key Stage 2 and the focus at their school has very much been on meeting the needs of Key Stage 1 children and their 'free' meals. Yesterday, my kids were served half a slice of burnt pizza (the caterers 'forgot' the desserts) and I was charged 2 x the princely sum of £2.40 for the honour. The headteacher has been brilliant and actually went out and purchased additional food to give to the children in order to try and salvage the situation. However, needless to say I've asked for my money back from the caterers and will most definitely be preparing pack lunches (deep joy) until the situation improves...

Scandalous, leaving children hungry.

The joys of privatising services. I wish the public had direct access to these private contractors and hold them accountable. Our Local Authority Officers are neither capable of doing the job (any job including safeguarding), nor are capable of monitoring and supervising contractors they pick in the first place.

Mess! Really is time for a change.

[quote][p][bold]Marlow Mum[/bold] wrote:
There are massive knock-on effects of the new scheme as well. For the last three school days, my children have come home from school absolutely famished. They are both in Key Stage 2 and the focus at their school has very much been on meeting the needs of Key Stage 1 children and their 'free' meals. Yesterday, my kids were served half a slice of burnt pizza (the caterers 'forgot' the desserts) and I was charged 2 x the princely sum of £2.40 for the honour. The headteacher has been brilliant and actually went out and purchased additional food to give to the children in order to try and salvage the situation. However, needless to say I've asked for my money back from the caterers and will most definitely be preparing pack lunches (deep joy) until the situation improves...[/p][/quote]Scandalous, leaving children hungry.
The joys of privatising services. I wish the public had direct access to these private contractors and hold them accountable. Our Local Authority Officers are neither capable of doing the job (any job including safeguarding), nor are capable of monitoring and supervising contractors they pick in the first place.
Mess! Really is time for a change.mistamina

BucksComment wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?

You're not! We &quot;rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...!

How do you know how much tax I pay?

With limited resources (we seem to have less here than some deprived areas, despite all being wealthy tax payers) this is a hair brained idea that was introduced so that the Lib Dems could claim social responsibility.

Funding only set up for the next 2 years so don't expect it to continue. Also questions about the subsidy paid to schools and if it actually covers the cost of the meals.

[quote][p][bold]Flashheart[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BucksComment[/bold] wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?[/p][/quote]You're not! We "rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...![/p][/quote]How do you know how much tax I pay?
With limited resources (we seem to have less here than some deprived areas, despite all being wealthy tax payers) this is a hair brained idea that was introduced so that the Lib Dems could claim social responsibility.
Funding only set up for the next 2 years so don't expect it to continue. Also questions about the subsidy paid to schools and if it actually covers the cost of the meals.BucksComment

BucksComment wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?

You're not! We &quot;rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...!

Wrong Dullheart or should i call you StudentHeart,
First, the rich pay only a small fraction of the the nations tax - I will grant you the point that they should pay a considerable more!
Second, you do not moan to us, no because you know what you will get.
You moan to your Ox-Bridge political friends, who fix everything for you.

[quote][p][bold]Flashheart[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BucksComment[/bold] wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?[/p][/quote]You're not! We "rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...![/p][/quote]Wrong Dullheart or should i call you StudentHeart,
First, the rich pay only a small fraction of the the nations tax - I will grant you the point that they should pay a considerable more!
Second, you do not moan to us, no because you know what you will get.
You moan to your Ox-Bridge political friends, who fix everything for you.mistamina

BucksComment wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?

You're not! We &quot;rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...!

How do you know how much tax I pay?

With limited resources (we seem to have less here than some deprived areas, despite all being wealthy tax payers) this is a hair brained idea that was introduced so that the Lib Dems could claim social responsibility.

Funding only set up for the next 2 years so don't expect it to continue. Also questions about the subsidy paid to schools and if it actually covers the cost of the meals.

BucksComment,
Do not understand why you feel we should not give free meals, when the overwhelming evidence say it does a lot of good?

[quote][p][bold]BucksComment[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Flashheart[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BucksComment[/bold] wrote:
Don't forget that these are not 'free' - we are all paying for them and while I believe a hot meal at lunch is good for the kids, why should we subsidise those from rich families?[/p][/quote]You're not! We "rich families" pay considerably more tax, and at a much higher rate so are subsidising those less fortunate, but you don't hear us moaning about it as we are generally happy to do so...![/p][/quote]How do you know how much tax I pay?
With limited resources (we seem to have less here than some deprived areas, despite all being wealthy tax payers) this is a hair brained idea that was introduced so that the Lib Dems could claim social responsibility.
Funding only set up for the next 2 years so don't expect it to continue. Also questions about the subsidy paid to schools and if it actually covers the cost of the meals.[/p][/quote]BucksComment,
Do not understand why you feel we should not give free meals, when the overwhelming evidence say it does a lot of good?mistamina